“Shhh.” and other methods for controlling crowd noise

Abstract

As designers of venues for performance, we spend a considerable amount of time and effort on maintaining a low background noise level while the acoustically critical spaces are in use. The typical noise sources, such as mechanical systems and light fixtures, are predictable and controllable. Just as background noise is inferential, audience noise within the common classical music venue is generally understood and under control. Effects of outdoor background noise are explored—such as city noise, road noise, and cicadas at two Chicago outdoor venues: Jay Pritzker Pavilion and Ravinia Festival. Second, because both of these venues have a fixed section of seating near the stage and a large section of general admission law seating, the lawn seating typically fosters a relaxed atmosphere where patrons feel free to converse with one another during performances. Ravinia and the Pritzker Pavilion differ when it comes to how they deal with chatting patrons during performances. Special attention will be paid to the audience noise in both the fixed seating and lawn seating at each venue and through the use of patron interviews, and exploration the effect of audience noise on the performance experience.